A team approach to safety

by Clair D. Urbain

This issue, I have gotten to talk with quite a few people about safety in construction. Even more than in past issues.

Because June is National Safety Awareness month, we thought we’d turn up our safety coverage a notch. It’s an area we always get good input and thanks for helpful ideas on improving jobsite safety.

This issue, we look at personal protection equipment (PPE) in general, and hearing protection and safety eyewear in particular, in stories.

We’ve also incorporated a special Reader Response Card so you can easily request more information on safety products and services. When it comes to safety, knowledge is power, and this is a good way to get helpful information delivered right to your doorstep.

It’s surprising how much PPE has changed in the last 10 years. It’s becoming less of an impediment to getting the job done and in many cases, can be worn with little or no discomfort. That’s good for everyone. It makes getting workers to wear the PPE easier and helps them be more productive. Manufacturers continue to develop better PPE that meets safety regulations and worker demands for comfort.

But all the good-looking and good-fitting safety equipment in the world won’t reduce injuries, illnesses or fatalities if a “must-have and must-wear” attitude isn’t adopted by workers. That’s where teamwork and training come in.

In our contractor profile, we share how Encompass Electrical Technology’s Midwest Division  took a hard look at the injuries and illnesses that appeared on its OSHA Form 200 Log. Once it identified the most common and serious injuries — hand lacerations — it put a plan in place to minimize them.

This was no ivory tower plan. It incorporated all levels of the company. From top-level commitment to front-line workers sharing their frustration with workgloves, the team solved the problem. Result: Workers now have gloves that allow them to work, yet protect them from almost all hand injuries. The company has almost eliminated its leading cause of injuries.

I encourage you to develop a team approach to safety if you don’t already have one.

Published in the May/June 2002 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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